Louis-Antoine de Bougainville 1729 – 1811

Biography

Louis-Antoine de Bougainville was born in Paris on November 12, 1729, during an era of great European exploration and maritime achievement. He would go on to become one of France’s most distinguished admirals and explorers, dedicating his life to advancing geographical knowledge and seafaring endeavors. His career spanned decades of service to France, marked by voyages that expanded understanding of distant lands and ocean routes.

Bougainville’s legacy as an explorer and naval officer left a lasting impression on the maritime world of his time. His contributions to exploration and his distinguished service in the French Navy established him as a notable figure in French naval history. He spent his life in pursuit of discovery and in service to his country, embodying the spirit of adventure that defined the age of exploration.

He lived a full life in his native Paris, where he was born and where he ultimately returned. On August 31, 1811, Bougainville passed away at an advanced age, having witnessed tremendous change across his lifetime. He was laid to rest at Cimetière du Calvaire in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, a final resting place befitting a man of his stature and accomplishments.